Biotechnology Research Roadmap - Science and Innovation

Using these horizon categories, FRST’s biotechnology research investments (2004-05) are directed proportionally
towards achieving the following outcomes (Figure 5):
Figure 5
FRST Horizons – Biotechnology research outcomes supported
45
40
35
$/millions
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Sustainability
Supporting existing
sectors
Stretching for change
Creating new
opportunities
OUTCOMES SOUGHT FROM INVESTMENTS
Using this breakdown, the bulk of government
investment is directed at stretching existing sectors for
change and creating new opportunities with smaller
proportions given to supporting the current activities of
existing sectors and to environmental sustainability.
These proportions partly reflect a strategic reprioritisation
(since 1999-2000) of research supporting
New Zealand’s primary production sectors. Emphasis
has shifted from the traditional productivity
enhancement areas of research to a greater research
focus towards developing value-added products and
economic diversification.
Much of the research being directed towards creating
new economic opportunities is being invested through
the New Economy Research Fund (NERF). A recent
evaluation of NERF found that 63% of its investment
to date is being directed towards biotechnology
research. 64
The evaluation report raises concerns that this
weighting towards biotechnology research, in isolation,
may impact on future opportunities which could be
derived from the convergence of biotechnology with
other enabling areas of science and technology like
ICT and nanotechnology. 65
64
ABT Associates (September 2005), Evaluation of the New Economy Research Fund, p.40
65
ibid, p.51
Roadmaps for Science : biotechnology research
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